A group hoping to exclusively operate Portland International Raceway wouldn't take no for an answer but got a familiar response from City Commissioner Nick Fish this week.

And just to be clear, it's not only Fish who lacks enthusiasm toward a proposal to essentially privatize the race track.

"For all the reasons we discussed with your representatives, neither I, nor any of my colleagues on (the Portland City) Council, support moving forward with your proposal at this time," Fish wrote in a letter Tuesday to ex-race car executive Chris Pook. Pook's proposal garnered some public attention in October thanks in large part to efforts by Gallatin Public Affairs. The influential lobbying firm represented Merritt Paulson through negotiations to renovate PGE Park into a soccer-specific facility for the Portland Timbers. For Pook, Gallatin helped the already-stalled proposal get some ink in local newspapers.

Pook asked for a 60-year lease at PIR so he could build "premium condo garages" for private auto enthusiasts, a high-end hot rod retail center and a boutique hotel. Fish responded in writing that city officials had "fundamental questions about the experience and capacity" of Pook's company and noted that "significant gaps" in financial documents complicated a city vetting of the proposal. That's when Fish initially said no.

Pook challenged some of Fish's assertions in a follow-up letter and questioned why the commissioner wouldn't agree to discuss the concept in a face-to-face meeting. Pook maintains his plan would benefit Portland and boost the economy. But he needs an elected official -- ideally Fish, in charge of the Parks & Recreation Bureau and PIR -- to promote the plan.

Fish's latest response: Nope.

"I certainly understand your disappointment," Fish wrote. "And, I regret any miscommunication which occurred during any of your briefings with City officials. However, nothing in your letter causes me to reconsider my decision."